Making History With Tristan Tymen

Two weeks ago, Tristan Tymen was named Overall Winner of Elite Model Look 2015. This year was the very first time that the competition was opened to boys in France, making him both the first boy to represent France, and the first French boy to land the top title on the international stage. He won a modelling contract with Elite guaranteed at €50,000, and has already started work as a model in Paris. We caught up with him to find out what he’s been up to, what it feels like to see yourself on TV and how he’s planning to unwind over the Christmas break.

What has it been like since the World Final?

The Monday straight after the competition, I went to Paris, so I have been here for five days. I have done castings and photo shoots for my book. I have had lots of meetings at the agency, and I have done about ten castings already. I had one this morning, and I’ve done a few photos for them too.

Did you imagine things would move so quickly?

Yes, they warned me that whether I won or not, I would need to be ready to work a lot, and quickly! So it’s been very good [laughs] My favourite so far was probably the casting I had this morning, they were so professional. But I can’t tell you who it was!

How has it felt to be in the middle of it all so soon?

It’s amazing to be doing all this, it’s so interesting, I learn a lot at the photo shoots. The castings have been for a mix of things, for photoshoots and for catwalk shows, and for ready-to-wear. It’s been hard to keep up with it all! The castings for men’s fashion week in Paris haven’t quite started yet, that’s the 3rd and 4th of January, right now there is less work, but it will pick up. I have yet to find out what will happen from the castings I have done so far.

What’s it been like to see yourself in the press?

There have been quite a few papers who have picked up my story. It’s really nice that people are interested. When we were at the final, all the French team were so happy that Mathilde and I made it to the Top 15. On the TV, I have seen the news and of course, they talk a lot about the problems in Paris, but they finished with a story about us. It was surprising, but it makes me proud.

What are you doing for Christmas?

I hope I’m not working too much, so I will spend it at home in the Savoie, and I’ll go skiing. I will be with my parents and my family, I feel like I haven’t seen for ages, it will be lovely to see them again! Straight after the Final I went home and we had a party at my house in the Savoie. It was a lot of fun!

What are you working on next?

Next week, I might work with the same client that I saw today, if they liked me. I have quite a lot of castings again next week, but I have to wait til January for the castings for Fashion Week. It’s been a great experience so far, and I must make the most of it, because who knows, it might not last!